12 Feb 10 Top Electrical Safety Investments

Bill Lutz, an electrician with Generation 3 Electric in Philadelphia, lets us in on some safety tips that you need to hire a professional for. But, it will be well worth it in the long run.


Get your breaker box inspected: I always recommend that once every five years a homeowner calls an electrician to open the breaker box and tighten each and every breaker and screw in it. This is because, as a mechanical piece of equipment, these can and do loosen or become damaged. A simple loose breaker can cause a breakage failure which might lead to an electrical fire. A loose connection will also put 'noise' on your circuit which will give you worse quality power which translates into inefficiency as well as worse quality picture and sound on your high definition entertainment system.

Replace your old electric box: If you realize that your electric box is over 30 or 40 years old, save money and hassle by having it replaced now rather than waiting for an emergency situation. Take the time to compare prices and schedule an appointment with a recommended licensed electrician, rather than having to shell out more than you would have had to later if you are faced with a sudden emergency when it fails.

Update old wiring: If you know that the wiring in your home is over 60 or 70 years old, you will save money and headaches by having it replaced now rather than when it fails and you are desperate. New wiring is far better than the older systems that were installed half a century ago. Safety standards and technology has increased quite bit in the last 50 years. If you have an older house, you should definitely update the wiring the next time you remodel your home. Take the opportunity when you are breaking into walls to replace the old wiring system too. This will prevent electrical fires and surges in addition to breakages. Safety is always first and you are less likely to get shocked with new wires too. Less noise is in your electronics with newer wires, insuring the highest quality picture on your TV and the cleanest sound on your stereo system. New wiring systems are also more isolated from one another, which protects against surges and allows for more power per room for your many appliances.